Was sat chatting to Glyn when I picked up a White-tailed Eagle, way upriver, towards or over Topsham at 1530. It was relatively low but gained height quite quickly and headed downriver. It was extremely high and being mobbed by another raptor (possibly a Gos) when I lost it in the brilliant blue sky. It was heading west/southwest by then. In view for about 15 minutes in total and looking distinctly brownish on the upperparts, so perhaps an older bird? Otherwise off there - 19+ Whimbrel and earlier this morning - 20 Brent Geese - very distant but probably 8 Pale-bellied Brent Geese and 12 Dark-bellied birds. Really nice to meet Dan and his parents this afternoon.
Orcombe was disappointingly quiet yet again but 2 Whitethroats and a Willow Warbler of note in crystal clear conditions.
A mid-morning look at Orcombe yesterday produced 10+ 'Greenland' Wheatears, 6 Shelduck, 2 Bullfinches and a Willow Warbler. Off Mudbank - c20 Whimbrel late on.
Orcombe was disappointingly quiet yet again but 2 Whitethroats and a Willow Warbler of note in crystal clear conditions.
A mid-morning look at Orcombe yesterday produced 10+ 'Greenland' Wheatears, 6 Shelduck, 2 Bullfinches and a Willow Warbler. Off Mudbank - c20 Whimbrel late on.
Congrats on the WT Eagle-must have made your afternoon, Matt!
ReplyDeleteThanks Neil - yes it was really good. The fourth I've had locally now and presumably an IOW bird like the others. Will hopefully receive details of which bird it is and what it's been up to. Hope all going well your way. Migration still very slow down here. Still haven't had a House or Sand Martin in Exmouth yet! All the best. Matt.
ReplyDeleteHouse martins at.mime this afternoon mate. Sunday
DeleteAh - that's where they are!
DeleteSo that's what flushed everything, knew there was something up there!! Dodgy gull still about as well
ReplyDeleteHi Kev - more than likely. I lost it somewhere in the upper reaches of the stratosphere but there's every possibility it continued over the Warren! All the best. Matt.
ReplyDelete